NASCAR fans often call into sports talk shows and say one of two things about five-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson.

They can’t figure out why so many fans hate him because he seems to be a really nice guy.

Or they despise the fact that this really nice guy has won five championships.

It’s a strange dynamic for a driver who has learned to deal with all the hate, while also enjoying strong support from the avid followers who do cheer for him.

Johnson’s photo album book from last year’s Chase for the Sprint Cup is in its second printing after selling out its first 4,000 copies. Fans last week in Phoenix, near his home base of California, stood in line for more than an hour to get a copy of the book signed by him.

His NASCAR competitors love him.

“Jimmie Johnson is one of the coolest people in the garage,” driver Kevin Harvick says. “Most people don’t realize that. He can drink more beer than anybody. He’s as diverse as anybody, whether it’s an art show or a golf tournament or eating hot dogs.

“This is what blows me away: The guy has won five championships and isn’t the most popular driver.”

Johnson and his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team will race for a sixth Sprint Cup championship Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, which would put him one shy of the record held by NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. He trails Brad Keselowski by 20 points, however, so many fans are reveling in the fact that Johnson may not win the title for a sixth time in seven seasons.

So why do so many fans hate Johnson so much?

I posted on my Twitter, Facebook and Google+ accounts the following question: “If u r rooting for Brad Keselowski, is it b/c of Brad or (you) don't want the 48? Why hate the 48?”

Within seven hours, there were 240 responses. Of them, 121 fans said they were rooting for Keselowski because they like him or his Penske Racing team.

There were 37 at least partially rooting for Johnson (although the question specifically asked about Keselowski).

And 95 said they were rooting against Johnson, in part, because they just don’t like him.

Here’s why:

They don’t like drivers that win too much. Johnson’s five-year stretch as champion rubbed some people the wrong way.

Julie Houchen (@AWBCJules) says: “Rooting for Brad because I don't want the 48 again. I saw the term "48 Fatigue" or something like that. I have it bad.”

Jthomas4293 (@jthomas4293) says: “Jimmie wins too much. and they sound like a bunch of cocky a--holes on their radio.”

Molly W (@flmolly) says: “With a 6th win, might deal NASCAR a blow it may never recover from. People are bored.”

Many believe that Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus are cheating. Knaus has been suspended three times and penalized at least nine times in the past but has pretty much stayed out of the NASCAR doghouse the last few years, although this season he won an appeal of a suspension.

Adrian Carmona (@AdrianCarmona3) says: “Chad Knaus and Jimmie have been caught cheating how many times in 10 years? The 48 is a cheater, bsides i don't like the cocky act from Chad Knaus, every time i hear 'the leader is the 48' pisses me off”

Chris Beam (@GrenEggsnhamlin) says: “Dislike Jimmie because he is a diva and I feel NASCAR let's them break rules.”

Toni St. Charles Creger (via Facebook) says: “Someone said Jimmie isn’t arrogant LOL. … Have you been watching the same sport I’ve been watching for the 5 years he has won then last year? I’m a HUGE HMS fan but that guys head is about to explode.”

Doris Golightly (via Facebook) says: “I don't care for Brad because he is too roguish but I can't take Jimmie Johnson one more time either so I will side with Brad.”

“I'm tired of Jimmy Johnson winning,” Paul Bechtel said (via Facebook). How come none of his teammates run as good as him. Suppose to have the same equipment right? I hate Jimmy Johnson. On the other hand, if he was my driver I'd be very happy. His is undoubtedly one of the best drivers in history and Chad Knaus is one of the best Crew Chiefs ever. Man I hate them.”

Johnson does have some passionate fans, for sure.

Trish Coker (@tcoker48) says: “Jimmie has my heart, been a fan since 2002 (but) I like Brad and can be happy w/ his win.”

Nicole Suzanne (@snark101) says: “My thought has always been if you are tired of the 48 winning urge the team you root for to work harder rather than "’hating.’”

But in some ways, Johnson can’t win.

Justin Aldrich (@JDAldrich) says: “I'm a 48 fan but rooting for @keselowski. Have had the same 2 champs last 7 years.”

For fans who think Johnson might hate the fact that fans hate him, he doesn’t seem to be all that worried about it.

His job is to win races and championships. The fact that fans aren’t more supportive?

“It makes me smile,” Johnson said. “I really don’t care. I’m doing my job. I’ve worked my entire life to get to this point in my career. … I’m not doing anything different than Gordon, (Richard) Petty, (Dale) Earnhardt—in fact, I’m awfully damn proud to be in that lump of guys that had to go from cheers to boos.

“And when they get back to cheering you again is when you stop winning. I don’t want the cheers, I’ll keep the boos. That’s fine.”